The Story

Did you know that Basenji dogs have genetic disorders that affect the kidneys and digestive system?

I do.

My Nugget is a Basenji/Red Heeler mix. She is almost 2 years old, and she has digestive issues. And I just found out this morning that her bloodwork shows that her kidney function isn't what it's supposed to be, and that she will *most likely* develop Fanconi Syndrome, which can't be cured, but dogs can live with it, if caught early and the correct protocols in place.

Right now, she's off at doggy day care, playing her heart out. When she isn't feeling well, you can tell, by the not eating, by the weight loss, but oh my god, this puppy is such a happy and friendly being, who puts a smile on the face of EVERYONE she comes in contact with.

It's up to me (and the vets) to worry about this. And worry I will. I'm already having a time of it due to holiday stress, my meds not being right, my gut doing its thing, and oh, my needing to move to a new place ASAP, but right now, I can't think about anything past this.

But the plan, for now, is to get her on a special diet for about a month, and re-check her blood to see where we go from there. "There" will be an internist in OKC. I'll need $$ for the consultation, and $$$$ for the ultrasound they are going to do, to make sure other bad stuff isn't happening.

I'm keeping *everything* crossed that the new diet will help quite a bit, but you know me, I don't really do the whole "positive faith" thing. I'm more of a realist.

But

If you're still here, still reading this, and you are the praying type, Nugget can use your prayers. Prayers, good vibes, healing white light, anything you've got. Maybe, if enough people can believe in the positive, it will outweigh the negative in me.

Breakdown: Cost of consultation with the internist, ~$150. Cost of subsequent ultrasound, at least $400. Any little bit to get us closer to this total would be amazing, as Nugget and I are currently trying to get out of a seriously uninhabitable situation.

*ANY MONIES GIVEN HERE THROUGH THIS OUTLET WILL GO DIRECTLY TO NUGGET'S SAVINGS ACCOUNT TO HELP WITH HER BILLS* while I'm working to get us out of that situation. Nothing you give here will go directly into my pocket for personal use. This fundraiser is for Nugget, and Nugget alone.